adminJeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
CHARLES “Chopper” Coventry was named in the 23-man squad that will represent Zimbabwe in the fifth edition of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh from March 16 to April 6. The team announcement was made yesterday on the second day of the national side’s training camp at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe Cricket trimmed the national team provisional squad to 23, from the original 30, and it will be further trimmed after next week’s domestic franchise Twenty20 competition in Harare.
Coventry, who is famed for his big-hitting and scored a record-breaking unbeaten 194 in a One Day International against Bangladesh, is currently plying his trade in Dubai and ZC are trying to bring him home to be part of the domestic Twety20 competition.
His return follows the resolution of the dispute between the players and the ZC and Coventry had indicated that he would be available for selection if he was invited for national duty.
Tawanda Mupariwa, Edward Rainsford, Tawanda Muzarabani, Richard Muzhange, Kevin Kasuza, Cephas Zhuwawo and Trevor Garwe are the seven players who were dropped from the squad of 30, but selectors say the door hasn’t been completely shut.
Those who impress in the domestic Twenty20 tourney can still sneak their way into the team.
“Next week’s tournament is very important and we hope that all the players, including Charles Coventry, will be able to make it,” said ZC selector and Tuskers coach, Wayne James.
We announced the squad of 23 but anything can happen during the Twenty20 next week and if a player performs very well then they will deserve to be considered.”
Mupariwa is still buoyant about making and the experienced bowler believes that his newly-found batting form, during private practise sessions, will help him offer more to the selectors and the team.
“Next week is the last chance for me to prove myself as an all-rounder for the team and I have to put my hand up and be counted in that final squad,” said Mupariwa.
“I am mostly known for my consistency as a bowler, my fielding, and recently my batting. There are many great bowlers in the team and the only way to make it in is to stand out with my batting as well.
“Twenty20 cricket is very fast paced and all-rounders are game changers.”
Squad
Brendan Taylor (captain), Sikanda Raza Butt, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Michael Chinouya, Charles Coventry, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Shingirai Masakadza, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Christopher Mpofu, Netsai M’shangwe, Forster Mutizwa, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusumuzi Sibanda, , Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams
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